One Pot Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta
Updated Jan 30, 2025, Published on Jun 03, 2023
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There's something magical about a one-pot meal that combines simplicity, flavor, and quick cooking time. If you're a fan of garlic and lemon, then this recipe for One Pot Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta is a must-try! With just 10 ingredients and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, it's perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Looking for a quick protein to serve with this pasta?
Try my Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe! The flavors of the seasoning and cheese will pair perfectly with this garlicky lemony pasta.
Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 head Garlic - grated or finely minced. I used my Microplane Grater to make this really easy!
- 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth - I often use water and some Low-Sodium Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base. I use chicken broth in many of my recipes and a jar still lasts for months. I have found it’s much more convenient to keep a jar of it on hand rather than buying cans or cartons of chicken broth all of the time.
- 1 cup Half & Half
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 lb Rigatoni - other shapes will work as well, but I find that rigatoni holds up the best in one pot pasta recipes.
- 1 Lemon - juice and zest; additional for serving
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese - freshly grated is best! Again, the Microplane Grater comes in handy for this!
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley - finely chopped for a pop of color and freshness
Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta Instructions
Step 1
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter sizzles and melts, add in the grated garlic. Cook the garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until it turns a beautiful golden color.
Step 2
Next, pour in the low sodium chicken broth and half & half. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to meld together. As the pot comes to a boil, it's time to add the star of the show - the rigatoni pasta. Stir it into the bubbling liquid and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 3
During this time, most of the liquid will be absorbed, creating a luscious and creamy sauce. If you find that the pasta needs a bit more liquid to reach your desired consistency, feel free to add a splash of water or broth.
Step 4
Squeeze the juice of a lemon into the pot, and grate in some lemon zest for an extra punch of citrusy goodness. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste and give it a good stir. Now comes the time to add the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt beautifully into the sauce.
Step 5
It's time to serve! Dividing the pasta among bowls, you can choose to garnish with additional lemon juice, lemon zest, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
Did you try this One Pan Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta? Leave a Review!
Whether you're a garlic lover or simply looking for a quick and satisfying pasta recipe, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta is sure to impress. This dish is simple, flavorful, and quick to prepare and clean up!
If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!
One Pot Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 1 head Garlic, grated or finely minced
- 4 cups Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Half and Half
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 lb Rigatoni
- 1 Lemon, juice and zest; additional for serving
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated; additional for serving
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the grated garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic starts to turn golden. Stir often.
- Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and half & half. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the rigatoni. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 15 minutes. Stir often so the pasta doesn’t stick together. Most of the liquid will be absorbed but there should still be some left in order to form the sauce. Add additional water or broth as needed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, add the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and melted.
- Serve immediately. Divide among bowls and top with additional lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley as desired.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
